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Do you have items that are on their last legs? That is, have you duct-taped (either literally or figuratively) something that you depend on? What would happen if it stopped working? For example, has your computer done things lately that let you know that the hard drive is just about to die? But you keep hoping it will just hang on a while longer? The last time you used your big flashlight, did you have to bang it against your hand so it would flicker back to life? And how will it be the next time your electricity goes out for a couple of hours and your flashlight doesn’t work at all?

If you don’t have any “pockets” with your stuff then you are courting disaster.  What are pockets? Visualize each of the following to help get the concept in your mind…

• Picture yourself getting an old purse or wallet out of your
  closet and finding change in a pocket.  You got a surprise
  of some extra money!
• Think about a time when you reached into a winter coat or
  spring jacket and found folded-up money. You received a
  surprise of some extra money!
• Remember a time when a three-hour meeting was canceled at
  the last minute and you found out you had a ‘pocket’ of
  time you weren’t expecting. A wonderful surprise!

When you have ‘pockets’ in your life, big and little surprises (of the positive kind) can result. 

Let’s look at it another way by considering these scenarios:

• A boat capsizes and people are trapped underneath.
  They can survive for a time because of the pockets of air
  that exist. 
• A quarterback is protected by the pocket created by
  his offensive line.  Without that pocket, it’s unlikely he
  could withstand the rush of the defense. 

Here are some thoughts on putting pockets in place with your “stuff” so you can keep chaos at bay:

1.  Proactively, you’ll only want to buy the very best you can afford. This is true in every category from kitchen faucets to hair dye to cars. Spend 10% more than you think you can so you’ll save (big time) in the long run.

2.  Help the organization where you work understand this as well. Government agencies, in particular, are famous for being expected to “take the low bid.” Sometimes the low bid is the best one, and other times, the agency is ’stepping over a dollar to save a dime” as the saying goes. You end up spending so much more in the long run if you buy ‘on the cheap.’

3.  If, and only if, you are an EXPERT in repair of your particular item, should you attempt to repair anything yourself. When you factor in your time (and the wear-and-tear on your personal relationships) when you attempt to make an amateur repair, the real cost(s) becomes apparent.

4.  Keep an up-to-date list of “Experts” in your address book. Put them all under “E.” You’ll forget their names from time to time–especially if the margin has run out on a particular item and you need to get something repaired immediately.

5.  If you elect to buy service contracts, write in your planner when you’ll call for your free check-up appointments.

6.  Keep a list taped to the inside of a cupboard for things you’d like to have replaced that are currently marginal (a new tape measure, a great flashlight, a set of tiny screwdrivers for repairing your glasses, etc.). Tell folks that this list is there and they should consult it when they want to get you a little something. Then, when you receive the gift, seek out the old item and THROW IT AWAY. These will truly be gifts you appreciate. (Consider using the list as ideas for things that you’ll buy others.)

7.  Constantly get rid of non-working/non-functional items. If you’re staring at a lamp (as I am right now) that needs to be re-wired, and you’ve been staring at it for more than a few weeks (make that months or years), then THROW IT AWAY. If it’s not working, it’s just clutter.

8.  Build a “super-reserve” of certain items. Thomas Leonard, the father of coaching, talked about this idea. For example, when you are at the post office (or wherever you buy your stamps), don’t just buy a roll (or less). Buy several rolls. Build a super-reserve so you never have to worry about running out.

9.  Design a way to remind yourself when you are getting low on an item. Sometimes it’s obvious, e.g., when you grab the last package of toilet paper, you know it’s time to put toilet paper on the grocery list. On the other hand, other times it’s not as obvious so you need to set up a system. When I travel, I have one little pouch that nothing goes into unless I realize that it needs to be replaced before my next trip. It’s the only pouch I check when I get home since all the other pouches just stay packed and ready to go for the next out-of-town speaking event.

10.  Use the “Use + 2″ method for determining margins on some of your items (but to prevent clutter). If you use one set of queen-size sheets in your home, keep 3 sets (the number you use +2). If you use 2 coffee cups every morning, keep 4. If you use a box of #10 envelopes each month for your work, then keep 2 extra boxes on hand.

All of these ideas need to be adjusted to fit your circumstances. Proactively put in place the pockets you need with your “stuff.”  Knowing what to have available can help keep chaos at bay for you.

Tags: clutter, plan, pockets, Productivity, stuff

Posted on: October 12, 2009

Filed under: Productivity, Putting Pockets in Your Life

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